Abstract: A method for increasing the rate of thrombus formation and/or proliferative cell growth of a selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22) including the step of endovascularly irradiating the selected region (21) with radiation, having a dose range of endovascular radiation of about 1 Gy to about 600 Gy at a low dose rate of about 1 cGy/hr to about 320 cGy/hr, to increase thrombus formation and/or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21). Preferably, the delivery means includes a deformable endovascular prosthesis (25) adapted for secured positioning adjacent to the selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22), and a radioactive source. This source cooperates with the deformable endovascular device (25) in a manner endovascularly irradiating the selected region with radiation, having the above-indicated dose range and low dose rate of endovascular radiation to increase thrombus formation and/or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21).

Abstract: Interventional tools are described that are suitable for measuring the temperature of or temperature variations in a vessel wall in the body of a patient and thereafter treating vulnerable plaque that is identified during the thermal mapping. The described interventional tools all include one or more thermal sensors that are suitable for detecting an indication of the temperature of or temperature variations in walls of a vessel the tool is inserted into. These sensors may be used to facilitate the detection of vulnerable plaque within the vessel. In one aspect, the interventional tool includes a stent delivery device that is suitable for delivering a stent to a selected segment of a vessel the interventional tool is inserted into. In an alternative aspect the interventional tool includes a deployment lumen. The deployment lumen is sized suitably for receiving a stent delivery catheter therethrough.

Abstract: A variety of improved thermal mapping catheters are disclosed which are capable of sensing and mapping thermal variations within body vessels. In embodiments directed at vascular applications, the catheters are capable of detecting temperature variations in atherosclerotic plaque, on the atherosclerotic plaque surface, and on the arterial wall of aneurysms and other vascular lesions of the human vasculature. In one aspect of the invention, a combined thermal mapping and drug delivery catheter is provided. In this embodiment a plurality of thermal sensors are combined with at least one infusion port suitable for delivering therapeutic agents into a vessel. In some embodiments, at least some of the infusion ports are located between adjacent thermal sensors. The described catheters may be used in a variety of new applications and medical diagnostic and treatment techniques.

Abstract: A method for increasing the rate of thrombus formation and/or proliferative cell growth of a selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22) including the step of endovascularly irradiating the selected region (21) with radiation, having a dose range of endovascular radiation of about 1 Gy to about 600 Gy at a low dose rate of about 1 cGy/hr to about 320 cGy/hr, to increase thrombus formation and/or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21). Preferably, the delivery means includes a deformable endovascular prosthesis (25) adapted for secured positioning adjacent to the selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22), and a radioactive source. This source cooperates with the deformable endovascular device (25) in a manner endovascularly irradiating the selected region with radiation, having the above-indicated dose range and low dose rate of endovascular radiation to increase thrombus formation and/or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21).

Abstract: A variety of improved thermal mapping catheters are disclosed which are capable of sensing and mapping thermal variations within body vessels. In embodiments directed at vascular applications, the catheters are capable of detecting temperature variations in atherosclerotic plaque, on the atherosclerotic plaque surface, and on the arterial wall of aneurysms and other vascular lesions of the human vasculature. In one aspect of the invention, a combined thermal mapping and drug delivery catheter is provided. In this embodiment a plurality of thermal sensors are combined with at least one infusion port suitable for delivering therapeutic agents into a vessel. In some embodiments, at least some of the infusion ports are located between adjacent thermal sensors. The described catheters may be used in a variety of new applications and medical diagnostic and treatment techniques.

Abstract: A method for increasing the rate of thrombus formation and/or proliferative cell growth of a selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22) including the step of endovascularly irradiating the selected region (21) with radiation, having a dose range of endovascular radiation of about 1 Gy to about 600 Gy at a low dose rate of about 1 cGy/hr to about 320 cGy/hr, to increase thrombus formation and/or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21). Preferably, the delivery means includes a deformable endovascular prosthesis (25) adapted for secured positioning adjacent to the selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22), and a radioactive source. This source cooperates with the deformable endovascular device (25) in a manner endovascularly irradiating the selected region with radiation, having the above-indicated dose range and low dose rate of endovascular radiation to increase thrombus formation and/or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21).